Q41: What activities should we involve our children in when at home?

Question

Assalamu Alaikum W.W. Maulana Saheb,

My question to you is what activities should we involve our children in when at home. My kids (Girl 6yrs, Boys 4yrs & 1yr). They are all the time in front of TV, if not then on computer playing games etc. Is there any Islamic website for kids to logon and learn & play games etc. Your valuable advice is much appreciated. May Allah accept your work.

Please remember me and my family in your duaas.

Jazakallah

Answer

I have lots of sympathy for you. The way society is shaped, it feels really hard to bring kids up in a good way. Remember a few points:

1. Always make dua for them. Ask Allah to take care of them. Show your inability to Allah and ask Him for help.
2. Good advice; sometimes one good word is more effective than scolding.
3. Choose a good Madressa or Ustad for them.
4. Take them out for physical exercise, like football, taekwondo, martial arts, or just take them to the park for a stroll.
5. Make some strict rules for home pleasure. E.g. fix a time like 1/2 hour 1 hour over the weekend. And if they don’t listen to their Mum or don’t do their homework, then that allowance will go as well.
6. Make sure they go to bed early and wakeup early.
7. Make them punctual of Salaah, take them to the Masjid with you.
8. Do Ta’leem in the home.
9. Sit down with them and tell them nice stories, even if they relate to your own upbringing and your own life.